48 Hours of Culture: Arts, Music, and More in the Alleghany Highlands

Historic Masonic Theatre 

No visit to the Alleghany Highlands would be complete without a visit to the stunning Historic Masonic Theatre in downtown Clifton Forge. For over a century, this architectural masterpiece has been going strong as an artistic and historical landmark of the community. Thanks to a remarkable $6.7 million renovation completed in 2016, the theatre has been fully restored to its historic beauty, featuring a grand auditorium, third-floor ballroom, underground lounge with views of Smith Creek, and state-of-the-art performance spaces. Today, it’s a hub for live music, film screenings, theatrical productions, educational programming, and community events. 

This summer, the theatre is excited to welcome visitors for behind-the-scenes tours, family-friendly events, and a diverse slate of performances from both local talent and national touring artists.

Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center

This free-admission community art gallery highlights the work of local artists, photographers, and makers of all kinds. Inside the main gallery exhibit, visitors can enjoy rotating exhibits curated to showcase a wide variety of art. The Center also offers art classes and workshops taught by experienced instructors for participants of any skill level or age. Draw inspiration from the hundreds of artists displayed in the gallery and learn how to harness your creativity to create. The volunteers and workers are incredibly passionate about arts education and are always willing to tell the region’s story.

The Arts and Craft Center Shop is a must-see for anyone looking for a unique, handcrafted gift or keepsake. Featuring work from juried artists and craftspeople, the shop offers handcrafted jewelry, fishing lures, wooden bowls, photography prints, fiber arts, and paintings. Don’t have time to make a full visit? You can also support small, local artists by browsing a selection of items online through the Art Center’s website. 

Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center

In downtown Covington, The Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center cultivates an engaging, hands-on experience that celebrates the region’s history in a fascinating and creative way meant for all ages. Visitors can dive into engaging scientific exhibits, explore historical artifacts, and practice their engineering skills. The Discovery Center has multiple 3D printers, realistic model trains, and simple scientific experiments that explain the world of industrial technology.

The Discovery Center is housed in the beautifully restored 1899 Nettleton-Rooklin Building. Come see how raw materials become the products we have used for generations. If you’re spending a weekend in the Alleghany Highlands, make time to stop in. Let your kids tinker, your curiosity wander, and walk away with a renewed appreciation for the region’s industrious spirit.

Clifton Forge School of the Arts

The Clifton Forge School of the Arts is a creative focal point of the Alleghany Highlands. The campus is located inside of multiple repurposed historic buildings: 1920s hardware store, 1892 lumber mill, and a historic four-story grocery supplier. As a nonprofit organization, the Art School offers hands-on instruction in a wide range of disciplines such as painting and drawing, pottery, blacksmithing, woodworking, fiber arts, and even stone sculpture. One of the most cherished classes is their “glass mosaic” class where students can create a stained glass hanging for their home. Professional instructors from the region lead classes for any and all ages and abilities. 

Looking to host an event? The campus is also home to The Mill, a stunning venue that once operated as a lumber mill and now hosts weddings, performances, high school proms, and community events. The Mill is home to Kriskindlmarkt, a German Christmas Fair, with German food & drink, delicious sweets & snacks, live holiday music and more! This event is a vital aspect of the region’s holiday celebration – people come from near and far to pick up Christmas presents and see the venue. Outside of the Mill is The Garden, a serene, creek-side location for picnics and the location of the annual Christmas lights display. Take a class at the Clifton Forge School of the arts, explore the gallery, and sit in The Garden one afternoon in the Alleghany Highlands!

Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Heritage Center

Visiting the small town of Clifton Forge calls for a visit to the C&O Railway Heritage Center, where the story of American railroading comes vividly to life. This museum is operated by the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society and honors the people, places, and innovations that shaped the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway and built the nation. The town of Clifton Forge was centered around the railroad industry and the personalities it brought.

The C&O Railway Heritage Center has undertaken diligent efforts to restore the original look of many pieces of railroad history. You can explore a 1929 steel caboose returned to its 1949 glory, visit a recreated freight station museum, and step inside the restored Gadsby’s Tavern, once a favorite of travelers. Little engineers can even hop aboard the “Little C&O” miniature GP30 locomotive for a ride through the grounds. And while you’re there, don’t forget to ask about Chessie, the C&O’s famously adorable kitten mascot. Climb aboard the C&O Heritage Center in downtown Clifton Forge to celebrate the history of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad.

Alleghany Highlands Arts Council

Since 1953, the Alleghany Highlands Arts Council has been the driving force behind world-class performing arts in the region. The Arts Council has hosted world-renowned artists like Ben Vereen, Ed Asner, Judy Collins, the Harlem Gospel Choir, the Royal Shakespeare Company of London, and many, many more! While not located in a brick and mortar location, the Arts Council takes pride in its mission to bring the highest quality performing arts events to residents to the Alleghany Highlands, hosting events community-wide.During your weekend stay, ask around about the Arts Council’s scheduled performances to see if you can catch one. The Alleghany Arts Council proves that you don’t need a big city to draw big talent – just a passion and love for the arts.

Cora Dance Alleghany

Cora Dance provides arts education and performances at various events throughout the Alleghany Highlands. They offer year-round dance education through free and pay-what-you-can classes, ensuring that every student has access regardless of financial means. They have two locations: one in Brooklyn and one in Alleghany County where they perform in unexpected places and transform everyday places into a stage. Keep an eye on local calendars to catch their next performance or class – you won’t want to miss it.

Conclusion

Even if your stay is just a quick weekend escape before the Monday rush, the Alleghany Highlands is always open for you and your family to spend a few days taking it all in. Soak in the views, watch a show, take an art class, and explore a gallery – all in just 48 hours of arts, music, and culture. We’ll save you a seat.